An Introduction to Forensic Geoscience

An Introduction to Forensic Geoscience provides fundamental training in geoscience as developed through the lens of its forensic applications. It incorporates a range of topics including geophysical methods of grave detection, the mineralogy of art, identification of microfossils, and comparison of soil trace evidence samples. Each topic is introduced using core concepts that are developed with increasing complexity in order to give readers an understanding of the underlying scientific principles involved and a taste of the wide range of possible forensic uses. A variety of detailed reference tables have been compiled for the text and each chapter contains lists of references to applicable textbooks and journal articles. Examples of real criminal cases are also presented in each chapter to make the connections between theory and real world application. The goal of this book is to give readers a familiarity with the wide range of ways in which geoscience principles and geological materials can be utilized forensically.

Elisa Bergslien is an Associate Professor at Buffalo State College. With a background in contaminant hydrogeology, she has been involved with the environmental law aspects of geology for years. In 2005, she begin teaching a Forensic Geoscience course as an elective for a well established Forensic Chemistry program and has been involved in research developing the science behind many of the assumptions used in forensic trace evidence examination. She is currently serving as the Information Officer for the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Initiative on Forensic Geology.

“Overall, the book is well produced on acid-free,
high-quality paper. In addition to the colour plates (also
available online), there are many helpful line drawings and a host
of Tables with useful information. I suggest that even professional
geoscientists involved in forensic work might welcome this book as
an aide-memoire. In addition, it is very good value at the
price.” (Soil Use and Management, 1 December
2012)

“The well-written book contains a wealth of information in
the form of determinative tables and illustrations. Anyone
interested in geology and forensics will find this a useful
resource. Summing Up: Highly recommended.
Lower-division undergraduates through
professionals/practitioners.” (Choice, 1
November 2012)

"Apart introducing the interested layman to the fascinating
applications of geoforensics, “An Introduction to Forensic
Geoscience” can also be used by teachers and
undergraduate students of earth sciences as resourceful
“physical geology” textbook, even if the book addresses
the U.S. market, as many cited laws or classification schemes are
valid only in the States.
Students or professionals in forensic sciences will profit from an
easily accessible text to geological concepts, which emphasize the
strengths – but also the limitations – of geology
applied to the prosecution of crimes." David Bressan, Scientific
American (11 October 2012)

Permissions

To apply for permission please send your request to permissions@wiley.com with
specific details of your requirements. This should include, the Wiley title(s), and the specific portion of the content you wish to re-use
(e.g figure, table, text extract, chapter, page numbers etc), the way in which you wish to re-use it, the circulation/print run/number of people
who will have access to the content and whether this is for commercial or academic purposes. If this is a republication request please include details
of the new work in which the Wiley content will appear.